Job Description
Work Arrangement
Onsite - based at the GM Global Technical Center (Warren, MI) with regular travel to North American plants for workshops, simulations, trials, commissioning, and readiness reviews. This role includes periodic line-side and dock-side work during scoping, validation, and launch phases (including off-shift or weekend support when required).
The Role
GM is scaling next-generation autonomous material-handling technologies across our manufacturing footprint. As an Industrial Engineer / Lean Material Strategies Engineer - AMR/AFT Automation & Simulation, you will design, validate, and deploy automated material-delivery solutions using Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) and Automated Fork Trucks (AFT).
You will bridge material flow engineering, layout design, simulation, automation requirements, and cross-functional integration to deliver safe, reliable, and cost-effective dock-to-dock automation. This role is highly collaborative, working across IE/LMS, Controls, IT, ARC, GSC, and plant operations to ensure GM's automated material-handling systems are production-ready, scalable, and aligned with enterprise standards.
What You'll Do
Material Flow, Layout, and Simulation
Develop future-state AMR/AFT material-flow concepts (dock to DLOC, DLOC to ULOC/POU, empties return) aligned to LMS standards.
Ensure aisle geometry, storage strategies, and containerization support AMR/AFT operation.
Lead or coordinate full-facility simulations (manual + automated traffic) to validate takt capability, congestion risk, and fleet sizing.
Translate simulation results into fleet quantities, charger counts, route designs, and business-case inputs.
Automation Requirements & Accessories
Define and specify AMR/AFT auxiliary equipment (P&D stands, roller racks, risers, turntables, reflectors, etc.).
Support sourcing and installation of operator-interface devices and integration hardware (e.g., sensors, traffic lights, conveyor/hoist interfaces).
Cross-Functional Integration
Align requirements across IE/LMS, Controls, IT, and suppliers to ensure complete, accurate IO/requirements documentation.
Ensure AMR/AFT solutions meet GM standards for safety, controls, cybersecurity, WMS/VaaS connectivity, and integration with ASRS and related automation systems.
Project Execution & Readiness
Support development of SOR/SOW content for AMR/AFT deployments.
Own or support readiness sheets for IE/LMS deliverables (GMOS updates, racks, kitting, accessories, layout changes) through SOP and stabilization.
Track and report AMR/AFT fleet readiness, integration status, and KPI performance for assigned sites.
Plant Engagement & Operational Alignment
Partner with plant IE, LMS, ME, GSC, Safety, Facilities, and Leadership to align on automation scope, constraints, trade-offs, and performance targets.
Contribute to training, documentation, and knowledge transfer for plant teams and first responders.
Continuous Improvement & Standards
Feed lessons learned into LMS standards, templates, and training for future deployments.
Identify and help close systemic constraints (floor conditions, container strategies, layout gaps, simulation limitations) that limit AMR/AFT scalability or performance.
Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)
Experience in automotive manufacturing, LMS, or industrial engineering, preferably in high-volume assembly or machining environments.
Hands-on experience with material-flow modeling, layout development, and/or simulation (GMOS, plant/route simulations, or equivalent tools).
Working knowledge of AMR/AFT/AGV systems (routes, charging, P&D strategies, safety envelopes, constraints) or similar automation technologies.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate simulation and layout analyses into clear design requirements and business impacts.
Proven ability to work cross-functionally with Controls, IT, ME, Safety, Facilities, and plant operations.
Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Supply Chain, or related field.
What Could Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)
Experience working with LMS RASICs, program trackers, or structured execution frameworks.
Direct involvement in deploying AMR/AFT, ASRS, or other automated material-handling solutions.
Familiarity with GM material-handling tools (GMOS, LMS Scorecards, PFEP, Pin-Map analysis, LMS Walls).
Exposure to automation KPI frameworks (uptime, throughput, trip efficiency, fleet readiness).
Knowledge of controls/IT concepts related to automated delivery (PLC/HMI basics, networked chargers, device interlocks, WMS/VaaS).
This role is categorized as onsite. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location on a full-time basis.
The selected candidate will be required to travel
This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.
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